Breaking news (happened 1 minute ago) but Ian Duncan Smith has been defeated. Not sure if that's good or bad news for the Tories, but I thought I would post it as I happen to be online right now.

Quick off the mark Geoff, well done.

It had to happen, I can't believe Duncan Smith really thought he had any chance of winning.

I reckon Portillo is the only one with half a chance of leading the Conservatives to victory.

No surprise there Geoff. Now watch Ken Clarke who yesterday wasn't going to stand for Leader. I bet he does.

Yes and not before time too. IMO he is the only world politician more wooden than George Bush.

An 8 miunte standing ovation a couple of weeks ago and then booted out 2 weeks later. :D

OMG they seem to be electing Michael Howard!

Do they not learn?

Nah Den Ace........

Originally posted by Caliden
OMG they seem to be electing Michael Howard!

Do they not learn?

They'd stand a better chance with Frankie Howerd!!!!

Regards,

Spacehopper.

IMHO the tory party seems to be an unhappy alliance of 2 distinct parties. There is the right wing 'let's get out of Europe' half which has been driving tory policy since maggie's days and the others who are more 'one nation' tories who see society having a role and want more integration with Europe. The best thing that could happen to them would be for the Lib Dems to drive them into second place at the next General Election. If this happened then they could split into 2 distinct parties and follow their respective policies.

As to the next ringmaster? Michael Howard seems the likely candidate, he is known to the public, albeit not affectionately, and has the support of the right. Hi ho, off to Labrokes to put a tenner on MH.

Tory MPs are lining up to pledge their support to Michael Howard, or are they?

Michael Portillo (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3251271.stm)